Count snags advice firm from AMP

Continuing its growth strategy, Count has announced Tailored Lifetime Solutions, previously licensed through AMP, as the latest firm to join its “national advice community”.

Tailored Lifetime Solutions hosts a team of five experienced advisers offering strategic advice specialising in superannuation, retirement planning, aged care solutions, SMSFs, and risk insurance.

Director and financial adviser at Tailored Lifetime Solutions, David Kelsey, said the decision to partner with Count was driven by superior service propositions and endorsements from existing Count members.

“The first thing that stood out to us was how Count has a laser focus on improving the provision of advice and simplifying the process with technology and innovation,” Kelsey said.

“That makes us more efficient and creates a better client experience in turn.

“During the due diligence period, we also spoke to a number of Count firms and heard their honest assessment of the offer, which really helped our decision-making process.

“That third-party validation is more powerful than anything the licensee can say about itself.”

Group head of advice at Count, Andrew Kennedy, said Tailored Lifetime Solutions was a great fit for its growing adviser community.

“It’s been a massive month for our business with a number of acquisitions and appointments to support our strategic growth objectives,” Kennedy said.

“David and the team at Tailored Lifetime Solutions bring experience, expertise and a great business culture to our national community.

“We’re looking forward to working closely together and supporting this exciting new chapter in their history.”

Noting the benefits of the decision for the company, Kelsey said the relationship among partnered firms allows for further company improvement and a higher quality of service for clients.

“At the end of the day, we are small businesses with common goals and a desire to help our clients as best we can,” Kelsey said.

“The connectivity amongst the community really helps you understand what you’re doing well or where you could be improving because in reality, we’re not in direct competition with each other.

“That feedback is invaluable and makes us a stronger business.”

This expansion follows the completion of Count’s acquisition of Diverger last week, which was initially announced in September 2023.

Speaking last week on the acquisition, Count chief executive Hugh Humphrey said it was a “pinnacle moment in the company’s 44-year history”.

“The network now represents over 590 accountants, in excess of 550 financial advisers and a greatly expanded suite of services. Combined revenues for FY23 exceed $129 million and the group has funds under advice (FUA) of $29.9 billion,” he said.